Hoyer worried about judicial diversity

House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer said Tuesday that he agrees with members of the Congressional Black Caucus who have expressed concerns about the diversity of judicial appointments, particularly in the South.

“I certainly share the CBC’s concerns,” the Maryland Democrat said. “I think the Senate, you know, has customs and deference to the incumbent senator in each state, and I understand that, but I would hope [Majority Leader Harry] Reid and Senate leadership would look to the best interest of the country, in the broad spectrum of beliefs in the country and to have that be represented on the bench.”

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The CBC wrote to the White House last month, expressing concerns that nominees, particularly in Georgia, are not representing the diversity of the states. CBC members were unhappy with a six-member slate of judges in Georgia that included only one black nominee.

“Clearly, federal judges who serve for life have, undoubtedly have a policy impact,” Hoyer said. “So I’m sympathetic to the concerns of the Congressional Black Caucus.”